Data Sheet

HCNR200 and HCNR201

High-Linearity Analog Optocouplers

Description Features
The Broadcom® HCNR200/201 high-linearity analog  Low nonlinearity: 0.01%
optocoupler consists of a high-performance AlGaAs LED  K3 (IPD2/IPD1) transfer gain
that illuminates two closely matched photodiodes. The input HCNR200: ±15%
photodiode monitors, and therefore stabilizes, the light
HCNR201: ±5%
output of the LED. As a result, the nonlinearity and drift
characteristics of the LED can be virtually eliminated. The  Low gain temperature coefficient: 65 ppm/°C
output photodiode produces a photocurrent that is linearly  Wide bandwidth – DC to >1 MHz
related to the light output of the LED. The close matching of  Worldwide safety approval
the photodiodes and advanced design of the package – UL 1577 recognized (5 kV rms/1 min. rating)
ensure the high linearity and stable gain characteristics of – CSA approved
the optocoupler. – IEC/EN/DIN EN 60747-5-5 approved
VIORM = 1414 Vpeak (option -050E/-350E/-550E)
The HCNR200/201 isolates analog signals in a wide variety  Surface mount option available (Option #300)
of applications that require good stability, linearity,
 8-pin DIP package – 0.400-in. spacing
bandwidth, and low cost. The HCNR200/201 is flexible and,
 Allows flexible circuit design
by appropriate design of the application circuit, is capable of
operating in many different modes, including unipolar/ Applications
bipolar, AC/DC and inverting/noninverting. The
HCNR200/201 is an excellent solution for many analog  Low cost analog isolation
isolation problems.  Telecom: Modem, PBX
 Industrial process control:
Transducer isolator
Isolator for thermocouples 4 mA to 20 mA loop isolation
 SMPS feedback loop, SMPS feedforward
 Monitor motor supply voltage
 Medical

CAUTION! Take normal static precautions in handling and assembly of this component to prevent damage and/or
degradation which may be induced by ESD. The components featured in this data sheet are not to be used in
military or aerospace applications or environments. The components are not AEC-Q100 qualified and not
recommended for automotive applications.

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HCNR200 and HCNR201 Data Sheet High-Linearity Analog Optocouplers

Schematic
1 8
LED CATHODE NC
-
VF
+ IF
LED ANODE NC
2 7

3 6
PD1 CATHODE PD2 CATHODE
IPD1 I PD2

PD1 ANODE PD2 ANODE

4 5

Ordering Information
HCNR200/HCNR201 is UL Recognized with 5000 Vrms for 1 minute per UL1577.

Option UL 5000
Vrms/ IEC/EN/DIN EN
Part RoHS Non-RoHS Surface Gull Tape and 1 Minute 60747-5-5
Number Compliant Compliant Package Mount Wing Reel rating VIORM = 1414 Vpeak Quantity
HCNR200 -000E no option 400-mil X 42 per tube
HCNR201 -300E #300 Widebody X X X 42 per tube
DIP-8
-500E #500 X X X X 750 per reel
-050E #050 X X 42 per tube
-350E #350 X X X X 42 per tube
-550E #550 X X X X X 750 per reel

To order, choose a part number from the part number column and combine with the desired option from the option column
to form an order entry.

Example 1:
HCNR200-550E to order product of Gull Wing Surface Mount package in Tape and Reel packaging with IEC/EN/ DIN
EN 60747-5-5 VIORM = 1414 Vpeak Safety Approval and UL 5000 Vrms for 1 minute rating and RoHS compliant.

Example 2:
HCNR201 to order product of 8-Pin Widebody DIP package in Tube packaging with UL 5000 Vrms for 1 minute rating
and non RoHS compliant.

Option data sheets are available. Contact your Broacom sales representative or authorized distributor for information.

NOTE: The notation ‘#XXX’ is used for existing products, while (new) products launched since July 15, 2001 and RoHS
compliant will use ‘-XXXE’.

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HCNR200 and HCNR201 Data Sheet High-Linearity Analog Optocouplers

Package Outline Drawings

Figure 1: 8-Pin DIP

0.20 (0.008)
11.30 (0.445)
0.30 (0.012)
MAX.

8 7 6 5

MARKING 9.00
A (0.354)
10.16
HCNR200 TYP.
(0.400)
z yyww 11.00
(0.433)
TYP.

EEE LOT ID MAX. 0°

15°
*
1 2 3 4
PIN
ONE
1.50
(0.059)
MAX.

1 NC 8
5.10 (0.201) MAX. LED

2 NC 7
K1 K2
0.51 (0.021) MIN.
3 6

3.10 (0.122) 4 5
3.90 (0.154) PD1 PD2
1.70 (0.067)
1.80 (0.071)
0.40 (0.016)
0.56 (0.022) DIMENSIONS IN MILLIMETERS AND (INCHES).
2.54 (0.100) TYP.
MARKING :
yy - Year
ww - Work Week
Marked with black dot - Designates Lead Free option E
XXX = 050 ONLY if option #050,#350,#550 (or -050,-350,-550)
ordered (otherwise blank)
* - Designates pin 1

NOTE: FLOATING LEAD PROTRUSION IS 0.25 mm (10 mils) MAX.

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HCNR200 and HCNR201 Data Sheet High-Linearity Analog Optocouplers

Gull Wing Surface Mount Option #300

Figure 2: 8-Pin Gull Wing Surface Mount Option #300

11.15 ± 0.15
(0.442 ± 0.006) LAND PATTERN RECOMMENDATION

8 7 6 5

9.00 ± 0.15
(0.354 ± 0.006) 13.56
(0.534)

1 2 3 4

1.3 2.29
(0.051) (0.09)

1.55 12.30 ± 0.30

(0.061) (0.484 ± 0.012)
MAX.
11.00 MAX.
(0.433)

4.00 MAX.
(0.158)

1.78 ± 0.15
(0.070 ± 0.006) 1.00 ± 0.15
0.75 ± 0.25 (0.039 ± 0.006) + 0.076
2.54 0.254 - 0.0051
(0.100) (0.030 ± 0.010)
BSC + 0.003)
(0.010 - 0.002)
DIMENSIONS IN MILLIMETERS (INCHES).
7° NOM.
LEAD COPLANARITY = 0.10 mm (0.004 INCHES).

NOTE: FLOATING LEAD PROTRUSION IS 0.25 mm (10 mils) MAX.

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HCNR200 and HCNR201 Data Sheet High-Linearity Analog Optocouplers

Solder Reflow Profile

The recommended reflow soldering conditions are per JEDEC Standard J-STD-020 (latest revision). Non-halide flux should
be used.

Regulatory Information
The HCNR200/201 optocoupler features a 0.400-in. wide, eight-pin DIP package. This package was specifically designed
to meet worldwide regulatory requirements. The HCNR200/201 has been approved by the following organizations.

UL Recognized under UL 1577, Component Recognition Program, FILE E55361.

IEC/EN/DIN EN 60747-5-5
CSA Approved under CSA Component Acceptance Notice #5, File CA 88324

Insulation and Safety-Related Specifications

Parameter Symbol Value Units Conditions
Min. External Clearance (External Air Gap) L(IO1) 9.6 mm Measured from input terminals to output terminals,
shortest distance through air
Min. External Creepage (External Tracking Path) L(IO2) 10.0 mm Measured from input terminals to output terminals,
shortest distance path along body
Min. Internal Clearance (Internal Plastic Gap) 1.0 mm Through insulation distance conductor to conductor,
usually the direct distance between the photoemitter
and photodetector inside the optocoupler cavity
Min. Internal Creepage (Internal Tracking Path) 4.0 mm The shortest distance around the border between two
different insulating materials measured between the
emitter and detector
Comparative Tracking Index CTI 200 V DIN IEC 112/VDE 0303 PART 1
Isolation Group IIIa Material group (DIN VDE 0110)
NOTE: Option 300 – surface mount classification is Class A in accordance with CECC 00802.

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IEC/EN/DIN EN 60747-5-5 Insulation Characteristics

(Option -050E/-350E/-550E Only)
Description Symbol Characteristic Units
Installation classification per DIN VDE 0110, Table 1
For rated mains voltage ≤ 600 V rms I-IV
For rated mains voltage ≤1000 V rms I-III
Climatic Classification 40/85/21
Pollution Degree (DIN VDE 0110/39) 2
Maximum Working Insulation Voltage VIORM 1414 Vpeak

Input to Output Test Voltage, Method b a VPR 2651 Vpeak

VPR = 1.875 × VIORM, 100% Production Test with tm = 1s, Partial Discharge < 5 pC

Input to Output Test Voltage, Method aa VPR 2262 Vpeak

VPR = 1.6 × VIORM, Type and sample test, tm = 10s, Partial Discharge < 5 pC

Highest Allowable Overvoltagea (Transient Overvoltage, tini = 60s) VIOTM 8000 Vpeak

Safety-Limiting Values (Maximum values allowed in the event of a failure)

Case Temperature TS 150 °C
Current (Input Current IF, PS = 0) IS 400 mA
Output Power PS,OUTPUT 700 mW
Insulation Resistance at TS, VIO = 500V RS > 109 Ω
a. Refer to the front of the Optocoupler section of the current catalog for a more detailed description of IEC/EN/DIN EN 60747-5-5 and other
product safety regulations.

NOTE: Optocouplers providing safe electrical separation per IEC/EN/DIN EN 60747-5-5 do so only within the
safety-limiting values to which they are qualified. Protective cut-out switches must be used to ensure that the safety
limits are not exceeded.

Absolute Maximum Ratings

Description Rating
Storage Temperature –55°C to +125°C
Operating Temperature (TA) –55°C to +100°C
Junction Temperature (TJ) 125°C
Reflow Temperature Profile See Package Outline Drawings
Lead Solder Temperature (up to seating plane) 260°C for 10s
Average Input Current – IF 25 mA
Peak Input Current – IF (50 ns maximum pulse width) 40 mA
Reverse Input Voltage – VR (IR = 100 µA, Pins 1 to 2) 2.5V
Input Power Dissipation (Derate at 2.2 mW/°C for operating temperatures above 85°C) 60 mW at TA = 85°C
Reverse Output Photodiode Voltage (Pins 6 to 5) 30V
Reverse Input Photodiode Voltage (Pins 3 to 4) 30V

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Recommended Operating Conditions

Description Condition
Storage Temperature –40°C to +85°C
Operating Temperature –40°C to +85°C
Average Input Current – IF 1 mA to 20 mA
Peak Input Current – IF (50% duty cycle, 1-ms pulse width) 35 mA
Reverse Output Photodiode Voltage (Pins 6 to 5) 0 to 15V
Reverse Input Photodiode Voltage (Pins 3 to 4) 0 to 15V

Electrical Specifications
TA = 25°C unless otherwise specified.

Parameter Symbol Device Min. Typ. Max. Units Test Conditions Figure Note
Transfer Gain K3 HCNR200 0.85 1.00 1.15 5 nA < IPD < 50 µA, 3, 4 a
0V < VPD < 15V
HCNR201 0.95 1.00 1.05 5 nA < IPD < 50 µA, a
0V < VPD < 15V
HCNR201 0.93 1.00 1.07 –40°C < TA < 85°C, a
5 nA < IPD < 50 µA,
0V < VPD < 15V
Temperature Coefficient of K3/TA — –65 — ppm/°C –40°C < TA < 85°C, 3, 4
Transfer Gain 5 nA < IPD < 50 µA,
0V < VPD < 15V
DC Nonlinearity (Best Fit) NLBF HCNR200 — 0.01 0.25 % 5 nA < IPD < 50 µA, 5, 6, 7 b
0V < VPD < 15V
HCNR201 — 0.01 0.05 5 nA < IPD < 50 µA, b
0V < VPD < 15V
HCNR201 — 0.01 0.07 –40°C < TA < 85°C, b
5 nA < IPD < 50 µA,
0V < VPD < 15V
DC Nonlinearity (Ends Fit) NLEF — 0.016 — % 5 nA < IPD < 50 µA, c
0V < VPD < 15V
Input Photodiode Current K1 HCNR200 0.25 0.50 0.75 % IF = 10 mA, 8
Transfer Ratio (IPD1/IF) HCNR201 0.36 0.48 0.72 0V < VPD1 < 15V
Temperature Coefficient of K1 K1/TA — –0.3 — %/°C –40°C < TA < 85°C, 8
IF = 10 mA,
0V < VPD1 < 15V
Photodiode Leakage Current ILK — 0.5 25 nA IF = 0 mA, 9
0V < VPD < 15V
Photodiode Reverse BVRPD 30 150 — V IR = 100 µA
Breakdown Voltage
Photodiode Capacitance CPD — 22 — pF VPD = 0V

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HCNR200 and HCNR201 Data Sheet High-Linearity Analog Optocouplers

Parameter Symbol Device Min. Typ. Max. Units Test Conditions Figure Note
LED Forward Voltage VF 1.3 1.6 1.85 V IF = 10 mA 10, 11
1.2 1.6 1.95 IF = 10 mA,
–40°C < TA < 85°C
LED Reverse Breakdown BVR 2.5 9 — V IF = 100 µA
Voltage
Temperature Coefficient of VF/TA — –1.7 — mV/°C IF = 10 mA
Forward Voltage
LED Junction Capacitance CLED — 80 — pF f = 1 MHz, VF = 0V
a. K3 is calculated from the slope of the best fit line of IPD2 vs. IPD1 with eleven equally distributed data points from 5 nA to 50 µA. This is
approximately equal to IPD2/IPD1 at IF = 10 mA.
b. BEST FIT DC NONLINEARITY (NLBF) is the maximum deviation expressed as a percentage of the full scale output of a “best fit” straight line
from a graph of IPD2 vs. IPD1 with eleven equally distributed data points from 5 nA to 50 µA. IPD2 error to best fit line is the deviation below
and above the best fit line, expressed as a percentage of the full scale output.
c. ENDS FIT DC NONLINEARITY (NLEF) is the maximum deviation expressed as a percentage of full scale output of a straight line from the
5 nA to the 50 µA data point on the graph of IPD2 vs. IPD1.

AC Electrical Specifications
TA = 25°C unless otherwise specified.

Parameter Symbol Device Min. Typ. Max. Units Test Conditions Figure Note
LED Bandwidth f – 3 dB — 9 — MHz IF = 10 mA
Application Circuit Bandwidth
High Speed — 1.5 — MHz 17 a

High Precision — 10 — kHz 18 a

Application Circuit: IMRR High Speed — 95 dB freq = 60 Hz 17 a, b

a. Specific performance will depend on circuit topology and components.

b. IMRR is defined as the ratio of the signal gain (with signal applied to VIN of Figure 17) to the isolation mode gain (with VIN connected to input
common and the signal applied between the input and output commons) at 60 Hz, expressed in dB.

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HCNR200 and HCNR201 Data Sheet High-Linearity Analog Optocouplers

Package Characteristics
TA = 25°C unless otherwise specified.

Parameter Symbol Device Min. Typ. Max. Units Test Conditions Figure Note
Input-Output Momentary-Withstand VISO 5000 — — V rms RH ≤ 50%, b c
,
Voltagea t = 1 min.
Resistance (Input-Output) RI-O 1012 1013 — Ω VO = 500 VDC b

1011 — — TA = 100°C, b
VIO = 500 VDC
Capacitance (Input-Output) CI-O — 0.4 0.6 pF f = 1 MHz b

a. The Input-Output Momentary-Withstand Voltage is a dielectric voltage rating that should not be interpreted as an input-output continuous
voltage rating. For the continuous voltage rating, refer to the VDE 0884 Insulation Characteristics Table (if applicable), your equipment level
safety specification, or Application Note 1074, Optocoupler Input-Output Endurance Voltage.
b. The device considered a two-terminal device: Pins 1, 2, 3, and 4 shorted together and pins 5, 6, 7, and 8 shorted together.
c. In accordance with UL 1577, each optocoupler is proof tested by applying an insulation test voltage of ≥.6000 V rms for ≥.1 second (leakage
detection current limit, II-O of 5 µA max.). This test is performed before the 100% production test for partial discharge (method b) shown in
the IEC/EN/DIN EN 60747-5-5 Insulation Characteristics Table (for Option -050E/-350E/-550E only).

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HCNR200 and HCNR201 Data Sheet High-Linearity Analog Optocouplers

Figure 3: Normalized K3 vs. Input IPD Figure 4: K3 Drift vs. Temperature

1.06 0.02
= NORM K3 MEAN

DELTA K3 – DRIFT OF K3 TRANSFER GAIN

= NORM K3 MEAN ± 2 • STD DEV 0.015
NORMALIZED K3 – TRANSFER GAIN

1.04 0 V < VPD < 15 V

0.01
1.02
0.005

1.00 0.0

-0.005
0.98
-0.01
0.96 = DELTA K3 MEAN
NORMALIZED TO BEST-FIT K3 AT TA = 25°C, -0.015
= DELTA K3 MEAN ± 2 • STD DEV
0 V < VPD < 15 V
0.94 -0.02
0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0 -55 -25 5 35 65 95 125

IPD1 – INPUT PHOTODIODE CURRENT – μA TA – TEMPERATURE – °C

Figure 5: IPD2 Error vs. Input IPD (see note b) Figure 6: NLBF vs. Temperature

0.03 0.035
= NLBF 50TH PERCENTILE
IPD2 ERROR FROM BEST-FIT LINE (% OF FS)

= ERROR MEAN NLBF – BEST-FIT NON-LINEARITY – % = NLBF 90TH PERCENTILE

= ERROR MEAN ± 2 • STD DEV
0.03
0.02

0.025
0.01
0.02
0.00
0.015

-0.01
0.01

-0.02 0.005 0 V < VPD < 15 V

5 nA < IPD < 50 μA
TA = 25 °C, 0 V < VPD < 15 V
-0.03 0.00
0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0 -55 -25 5 35 65 95 125

IPD1 – INPUT PHOTODIODE CURRENT – μA TA – TEMPERATURE – °C

Figure 7: NLBF Drift vs. Temperature Figure 8: Input Photodiode CTR vs. LED Input Current

0.02 1.2
DELTA NLBF – DRIFT OF BEST-FIT NL – % PTS

-55°C
NORMALIZED K1 – INPUT PHOTODIODE CTR

0 V < VPD < 15 V 1.1

0.015 -40°C
5 nA < IPD < 50 μA 25°C
1.0
0.01
0.9 85°C
0.005 100°C
0.8

0.0 0.7

0.6
-0.005
0.5
-0.01 NORMALIZED TO K1 CTR
0.4
AT IF = 10 mA, TA = 25°C
-0.015 0.3 0 V < VPD1 < 15 V
= DELTA NLBF MEAN
= DELTA NLBF MEAN ± 2 • STD DEV
-0.02 0.2
-55 -25 5 35 65 95 125 0.0 2.0 4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0 14.0 16.0

TA – TEMPERATURE – °C IF – LED INPUT CURRENT – mA

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Figure 9: Typical Photodiode Leakage vs. Temperature Figure 10: LED Input Current vs. Forward Voltage

10.0 100
VPD = 15 V TA = 25°C
ILK – PHOTODIODE LEAKAGE – nA

10

IF – FORWARD CURRENT – mA
8.0

1
6.0

0.1
4.0
0.01

2.0
0.001

0.0 0.0001
-55 -25 5 35 65 95 125 1.20 1.30 1.40 1.50 1.60

TA – TEMPERATURE – °C VF – FORWARD VOLTAGE – VOLTS

Figure 11: LED Forward Voltage vs. Temperature Figure 12: Thermal Derating Curve Dependence of
Safety-Limiting Value with Case Temperature per IEC/EN/DIN
EN 60747-5-5

1.8 1000
PS OUTPUT POWER – mV
IF = 10 mA 900
IS INPUT CURRENT – mA
VF – LED FORWARD VOLTAGE – V

1.7 800

700
1.6
600

1.5 500

400
1.4 300

200
1.3
100

1.2 0
0 25 50 75 100 125 150 175
-55 -25 5 35 65 95 125

TA – TEMPERATURE – °C TS – CASE TEMPERATURE – °C

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HCNR200 and HCNR201 Data Sheet High-Linearity Analog Optocouplers

Figure 13: Basic Isolation Amplifier

R2

R1
VIN
+ -
IPD1 PD1 A1 IPD2 PD2 A2 VOUT
- +
LED IF

A) BASIC TOPOLOGY

VCC R2

R1 C1 C2
VIN LED
- R3 -
PD1 A1 PD2 PD2 A2 VOUT
+ +

B) PRACTICAL CIRCUIT

Figure 14: Unipolar Circuit Topologies

VCC

VIN
- -
VOUT
+ +

A) POSITIVE INPUT B) POSITIVE OUTPUT

VIN
- -
VOUT
+ +

C) NEGATIVE INPUT D) NEGATIVE OUTPUT

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HCNR200 and HCNR201 Data Sheet High-Linearity Analog Optocouplers

Figure 15: Bipolar Circuit Topologies

VCC1 VCC2

IOS1 VCC1 IOS2

VIN
- -
VOUT
+ +

A) SINGLE OPTOCOUPLER

VCC

+
VIN

-
VOUT
+
-

B) DUAL OPTOCOUPLER

Figure 16: Loop-Powered 4 mA to 20 mA Current Loop Circuits

R2
+IIN
R1
D1
- -
PD1 PD2 VOUT
+ LED +

R3
-IIN

A) RECEIVER

VCC

R1
VIN LED +IOUT
- R2
PD1
+ -
D1
Q1 PD2
+

R3
-IOUT

B) TRANSMITTER

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HCNR200 and HCNR201 Data Sheet High-Linearity Analog Optocouplers

Figure 17: High-Speed Low-Cost Analog Isolator

VCC2 +5 V
VCC1 +5 V

R5 R7
LED R2 10 K 470
R3
10 K 68 K
VOUT
Q2 Q4
R1 2N3904 2N3904
68 K
VIN Q1 Q3
2N3906 2N3906
R4 R6
10 10
PD1 PD2

Figure 18: Precision Analog Isolation Amplifier

VCC1 +15 V VCC2 +15 V

C3
0.1μ C5
0.1μ
R4 R5
2.2 K 270

Q1
2N3906

R6
R1 C1 6.8 K C2 R2
200 K 47 P 33 P 174 K 50 K
INPUT OUTPUT
BNC BNC
1% 7 7 1%
2 - - 2
PD1 6 6 PD2
3 A1 A2 3
+ LT1097 LT1097 +
4 4
C6
C4 R3 0.1μ
0.1μ 33 K

D1
VEE1 -15 V LED 1N4150 VEE2 -15 V

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HCNR200 and HCNR201 Data Sheet High-Linearity Analog Optocouplers

Figure 19: Bipolar Isolation Amplifier

C3 10 pf
C1 10 pf
R6 R7
180 K 50 K
R2 D1
180 K R4
- 680 GAIN

OC1 + OC1 OC1 -

PD1 LED PD2
VMAG
VIN R1 +
50 K
BALANCE
OC2 OC2 OC2
PD1 + LED PD2

- R5
R3 680
D2
180 K

C2 10 pf
VCC1 = +15 V
VEE1 = -15 V

Figure 20: Magnitude/Sign Isolation Amplifier

C3 10 pf
C1 10 pf
R5 R6
180 K 50 K
D1 D3
-
GAIN
+ OC1 -
R1 R4 PD2 VMAG
220 K 680
VIN OC1 +
PD1 R2 R3
10 K 4.7 K OC1
+ LED
D2
-
D4
-

+ VCC
C2 10 pf
+

- R7
6.8 K
R8
2.2 K

VSIGN

VCC1 = +15 V OC2

VEE1 = -15 V 6N139

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HCNR200 and HCNR201 Data Sheet High-Linearity Analog Optocouplers

Figure 21: SPICE Model Listing

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HCNR200 and HCNR201 Data Sheet High-Linearity Analog Optocouplers

Figure 22: 4 mA to 20 mA HCNR200 Receiver Circuit

0.001 μF
+ILOOP

HCNR200 R5
LED 80 k:
R1 Z1
10 k: 5.1 V
R4
VCC
100 :
0.1 μF 5.5 V
HCNR200 + LM158
PD1 -
2N3906
- VOUT
R2 + LM158
10 k: HCNR200
0.001 μF PD2
-ILOOP
R3
2
25 :

Design Equations:

(VOUT / ILOOP) = K3 (R5 R3) / (R1 + R3)

K3 = K2 / K1 = Constant = 1

NOTE: The two OP-AMPS shown are two separate LM158 ICs, and not two channels in a dual package; otherwise, the
LOOP side and the output side will not be properly isolated.

Figure 23: 4 mA to 20 mA HCNR200 Transmitter Circuit

VCC
5.5 V +ILOOP
R8
0.001 μF 100 k:
R2
150 : 2N3904 R3
10 k:

VCC HCNR200
R1 LED Z1
80 k: 5.1 V 0.001 μF
-
VIN - 2N3904 HCNR200
2N3906 LM158 + PD2
+ 2N3904
LM158
0.1 μF
R4
HCNR200 R7 10 k:
PD1 3.2 k: R6
140 :
1 -ILOOP
R5
25 :

Design Equations:

(ILOOP / Vin) = K3 (R5 + R3) / (R5 R1)

K3 = K2 / K1 = Constant ≈ 1

NOTE: The two OP-AMPS shown are two separate LM158 ICs, and not dual channels in a single package; otherwise, the
LOOP side and input side will not be properly isolated. The 5V1 Zener should be properly selected to ensure that
it conducts at 187 µA.

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HCNR200 and HCNR201 Data Sheet
Theory of Operation
Figure 1 shows how the HCNR200/201 high-linearity
optocoupler is configured. The basic optocoupler consists of
an LED and two photodiodes. The LED and one of the
photodiodes (PD1) is on the input leadframe and the other
photodiode (PD2) is on the output leadframe. The package
of the optocoupler is constructed so that each photodiode
receives approximately the same amount of light from the
LED.
An external feedback amplifier can be used with PD1 to
monitor the light output of the LED and automatically adjust
the LED current to compensate for any nonlinearities or
changes in light output of the LED. The feedback amplifier
acts to stabilize and linearize the light output of the LED. The
output photodiode then converts the stable, linear light
output of the LED into a current, which can then be
converted back into a voltage by another amplifier.
Figure 13a illustrates the basic circuit topology for
implementing a simple isolation amplifier using the
HCNR200/201 optocoupler. Besides the optocoupler, two
external op-amps and two resistors are required. This circuit
is actually a bit too simple to function properly in an actual
circuit, but it is quite useful for explaining how the basic
isolation amplifier circuit works (a few more components
and a circuit change are required to make a practical circuit,
like the one shown in Figure 13b).
The operation of the basic circuit may not be immediately
obvious just from inspecting Figure 13a, particularly the
input part of the circuit. Stated briefly, amplifier A1 adjusts
the LED current (IF), and therefore the current in PD1 (IPD1),
to maintain its “+” input terminal at 0V. For example,
increasing the input voltage would tend to increase the
voltage of the “+” input terminal of A1 above 0V. A1 amplifies
that increase, causing IF to increase, as well as IPD1.
Because of the way that PD1 is connected, IPD1 pulls the “+”
terminal of the op-amp back toward ground. A1 continues to
increase IF until its “+” terminal is back at 0V. Assuming that
A1 is a perfect op-amp, no current flows into the inputs of
A1; therefore, all of the current flowing through R1 will flow
through PD1. Because the “+” input of A1 is at 0V, the
current through R1, and therefore IPD1 as well, is equal to
VIN / R1.
Essentially, amplifier A1 adjusts IF so that
IPD1 = VIN / R1.
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High-Linearity Analog Optocouplers
Notice that IPD1 depends only on the input voltage and the
value of R1 and is independent of the light output
characteristics of the LED. As the light output of the LED
changes with temperature, amplifier A1 adjusts IF to
compensate and maintain a constant current in PD1. Also
notice that IPD1 is exactly proportional to VIN, giving a very
linear relationship between the input voltage and the
photodiode current.
The relationship between the input optical power and the
output current of a photodiode is very linear. Therefore, by
stabilizing and linearizing IPD1, the light output of the LED is
also stabilized and linearized. And because light from the
LED falls on both of the photodiodes, IPD2 will be stabilized
as well.
The physical construction of the package determines the
relative amounts of light that fall on the two photodiodes
and, therefore, the ratio of the photodiode currents. This
results in very stable operation over time and temperature.
The photodiode current ratio can be expressed as a
constant, K, where
K = IPD2 / IPD1
Amplifier A2 and resistor R2 form a trans-resistance
amplifier that converts IPD2 back into a voltage, VOUT, where
VOUT = IPD2 × R2
Combining the above three equations yields an overall
expression relating the output voltage to the input voltage:
VOUT / VIN = K × (R2 / R1)
Therefore the relationship between VIN and VOUT is
constant, linear, and independent of the light output
characteristics of the LED. The gain of the basic isolation
amplifier circuit can be adjusted simply by adjusting the ratio
of R2 to R1. The parameter K (called K3 in the electrical
specifications) can be thought of as the gain of the
optocoupler and is specified in the data sheet.
Remember, the circuit in Figure 13a is simplified to explain
the basic circuit operation. A practical circuit, more like
Figure 13b, will require a few additional components to
stabilize the input part of the circuit, to limit the LED current,
or to optimize circuit performance. Example application
circuits will be described later in the data sheet.
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HCNR200 and HCNR201 Data Sheet
Circuit Design Flexibility
Circuit design with the HCNR200/201 is very flexible
because the LED and both photodiodes are accessible to
the designer. This allows the designer to make performance
trade-offs that would otherwise be difficult to make with
commercially available isolation amplifiers (for example,
bandwidth vs. accuracy vs. cost). Analog isolation circuits
can be designed for applications that have either unipolar
(for example, 0V to 10V) or bipolar (for example, ±10V)
signals, with positive or negative input or output voltages.
Several simplified circuit topologies illustrating the design
flexibility of the HCNR200/201 are in this section.
The circuit in Figure 13a is configured to be non-inverting
with positive input and output voltages. By changing the
polarity of one or both of the photodiodes, the LED, or the
op-amp inputs, it is possible to implement other circuit
configurations as well. Figure 14 shows how to change the
basic circuit to accommodate both positive and negative
input and output voltages. The input and output circuits can
be matched to achieve any combination of positive and
negative voltages, allowing for both inverting and non-
inverting circuits.
All of the configurations described previously are unipolar
(single polarity); the circuits cannot accommodate a signal
that might swing both positive and negative. It is possible,
however, to use the HCNR200/201 optocoupler to
implement a bipolar isolation amplifier. Two topologies that
allow for bipolar operation are shown in Figure 15.
The circuit in Figure 15a uses two current sources to offset
the signal so that it appears to be unipolar to the
optocoupler. Current source IOS1 provides enough offset to
ensure that IPD1 is always positive. The second current
source, IOS2, provides an offset of opposite polarity to obtain
a net circuit offset of zero. Current sources IOS1 and IOS2
can be implemented simply as resistors connected to
suitable voltage sources.
The circuit in Figure 15b uses two optocouplers to obtain
bipolar operation. The first optocoupler handles the positive
voltage excursions, while the second optocoupler handles
the negative ones. The output photodiodes are connected in
an antiparallel configuration so that they produce output
signals of opposite polarity.
Broadcom
High-Linearity Analog Optocouplers
The first circuit has the obvious advantage of requiring only
one optocoupler; however, the offset performance of the
circuit is dependent on the matching of IOS1 and IOS2 and is
also dependent on the gain of the optocoupler. Changes in
the gain of the optocoupler directly affect the offset of the
circuit.
The offset performance of the second circuit, on the other
hand, is much more stable; it is independent of optocoupler
gain and has no matched current sources to worry about.
However, the second circuit requires two optocouplers,
separate gain adjustments for the positive and negative
portions of the signal, and can exhibit crossover distortion
near 0V. The correct circuit to choose for an application
would depend on the requirements of that particular
application. As with the basic isolation amplifier circuit in
Figure 13a, the circuits in Figure 15 are simplified and would
require a few additional components to function properly.
Two example circuits that operate with bipolar input signals
are described in the next section.
As a final example of circuit design flexibility, the simplified
schematics in Figure 16 illustrate how to implement 4 mA to
20 mA analog current-loop transmitter and receiver circuits
using the HCNR200/201 optocoupler. In these circuits, the
loop side of the circuit is powered entirely by the loop
current, eliminating the need for an isolated power supply.
The input and output circuits in Figure 16a are the same as
the negative input and positive output circuits shown in
Figure 14c and Figure 14b, except for the addition of R3 and
zener diode D1 on the input side of the circuit. D1 regulates
the supply voltage for the input amplifier, while R3 forms a
current divider with R1 to scale the loop current down from
20 mA to an appropriate level for the input circuit (<50 µA).
As in the simpler circuits, the input amplifier adjusts the LED
current so that both of its input terminals are at the same
voltage. The loop current is then divided between R1 and
R3. IPD1 is equal to the current in R1 and is given by the
following equation:
IPD1 = ILOOP × R3 / (R1 + R3)
Combining the above equation with the equations used for
Figure 13a yields an overall expression relating the output
voltage to the loop current:
VOUT / ILOOP = K × (R2 × R3) / (R1 + R3)
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HCNR200 and HCNR201 Data Sheet
Again, you can see that the relationship is constant, linear,
and independent of the characteristics of the LED.
The 4 mA to 20 mA transmitter circuit in Figure 16b is a little
different from the previous circuits, particularly the output
circuit. The output circuit does not directly generate an
output voltage that is sensed by R2; it instead uses Q1 to
generate an output current that flows through R3. This
output current generates a voltage across R3, which is then
sensed by R2. An analysis similar to the one above yields
the following expression relating output current to input
voltage:
ILOOP / VIN = K × (R2 + R3) / (R1 × R3)
The preceding circuits were presented to illustrate the
flexibility in designing analog isolation circuits using the
HCNR200/201. The next section presents several complete
schematics to illustrate practical applications of the
HCNR200/201.
Example Application Circuits
The circuit shown in Figure 17 is a high-speed low-cost
circuit designed for use in the feedback path of switch-mode
power supplies. This application requires good bandwidth,
low cost and stable gain, but does not require very high
accuracy. This circuit is a good example of how a designer
can trade off accuracy to achieve improvements in
bandwidth and cost. The circuit has a bandwidth of about
1.5 MHz with stable gain characteristics and requires few
external components.
Although it may not appear so at first glance, the circuit in
Figure 17 is essentially the same as the circuit in
Figure 13a. Amplifier A1 is comprised of Q1, Q2, R3, and
R4, while amplifier A2 is comprised of Q3, Q4, R5, R6, and
R7. The circuit operates in the same manner as well; the
only difference is the performance of amplifiers A1 and A2.
The lower gains, higher input currents and higher offset
voltages affect the accuracy of the circuit, but not the way it
operates. Because the basic circuit operation has not
changed, the circuit still has good gain stability. The use of
discrete transistors instead of op-amps allowed the design
to trade off accuracy to achieve good bandwidth and gain
stability at low cost.
Broadcom
High-Linearity Analog Optocouplers
To get into a little more detail about the circuit, R1 is selected
to achieve an LED current of about 7 mA to 10 mA at the
nominal input operating voltage according to the following
equation:
IF = (VIN / R1) / K1
where K1 (that is, IPD1 / IF) of the optocoupler is typically
about 0.5%. R2 is then selected to achieve the desired
output voltage according to the equation:
VOUT / VIN = R2 / R1
R4 and R6 improve the dynamic response (that is, stability)
of the input and output circuits by lowering the local loop
gains. R3 and R5 are selected to provide enough current to
drive the bases of Q2 and Q4. R7 is selected so that Q4
operates at about the same collector current as Q2.
The next circuit, shown in Figure 18, is designed to achieve
the highest possible accuracy at a reasonable cost. The
high accuracy and wide dynamic range of the circuit is
achieved by using low-cost precision op-amps with very low
input bias currents and offset voltages and is limited by the
performance of the optocoupler. The circuit is designed to
operate with input and output voltages from 1 mV to 10V.
The circuit operates in the same way as the others. The only
major differences are the two compensation capacitors and
additional LED drive circuitry. In the high-speed circuit
described previously, the input and output circuits are
stabilized by reducing the local loop gains of the input and
output circuits. Because reducing the loop gains would
decrease the accuracy of the circuit, two compensation
capacitors, C1 and C2, are instead used to improve circuit
stability. These capacitors also limit the bandwidth of the
circuit to about 10 kHz and can be used to reduce the output
noise of the circuit by reducing its bandwidth even further.
The additional LED drive circuitry (Q1 and R3 through R6)
helps to maintain the accuracy and bandwidth of the circuit
over the entire range of input voltages. Without these
components, the transconductance of the LED driver would
decrease at low input voltages and LED currents. This
would reduce the loop gain of the input circuit, reducing
circuit accuracy and bandwidth. D1 prevents excessive
reverse voltage from being applied to the LED when the
LED turns off completely.
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HCNR200 and HCNR201 Data Sheet
No offset adjustment of the circuit is necessary; the gain can
be adjusted to unity by simply adjusting the 50 kΩ
potentiometer that is part of R2. Any OP-97 type of op-amp
can be used in the circuit, such as the LT1097 from Linear
Technology or the AD705 from Analog Devices, both of
which offer pA bias currents, µV offset voltages and are low
cost. The input terminals of the op-amps and the
photodiodes are connected in the circuit using Kelvin
connections to help ensure the accuracy of the circuit.
The next two circuits illustrate how the HCNR200/201 can
be used with bipolar input signals. The isolation amplifier in
Figure 18 is a practical implementation of the circuit shown
in Figure 15b. It uses two optocouplers, OC1 and OC2; OC1
handles the positive portions of the input signal and OC2
handles the negative portions.
Diodes D1 and D2 help reduce crossover distortion by
keeping both amplifiers active during both positive and
negative portions of the input signal. For example, when the
input signal positive, optocoupler OC1 is active while OC2
is turned off. However, the amplifier controlling OC2 is kept
active by D2, allowing it to turn on OC2 more rapidly when
the input signal goes negative, thereby reducing crossover
distortion.
Balance control R1 adjusts the relative gain for the positive
and negative portions of the input signal, gain control R7
adjusts the overall gain of the isolation amplifier, and
capacitors C1-C3 provide compensation to stabilize the
amplifiers.
The final circuit shown in Figure 20 isolates a bipolar analog
signal using only one optocoupler and generates two output
signals: an analog signal proportional to the magnitude of
the input signal and a digital signal corresponding to the sign
of the input signal. This circuit is especially useful for
applications where the output of the circuit is applied to an
analog-to-digital converter. The primary advantages of this
circuit are very good linearity and offset, with only a single
gain adjustment and no offset or balance adjustments.
To achieve very high linearity for bipolar signals, the gain
should be exactly the same for both positive and negative
input polarities. This circuit achieves excellent linearity by
using a single optocoupler and a single input resistor, which
guarantees identical gain for both positive and negative
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High-Linearity Analog Optocouplers
polarities of the input signal. This precise matching of gain
for both polarities is much more difficult to obtain when
separate components are used for the different input
polarities, such as is the previous circuit.
The circuit in Figure 20 is actually very similar to the
previous circuit. As mentioned previously, only one
optocoupler is used. Because a photodiode can conduct
current in only one direction, two diodes (D1 and D2) are
used to steer the input current to the appropriate terminal of
input photodiode PD1 to allow bipolar input currents.
Normally, the forward voltage drops of the diodes would
cause a serious linearity or accuracy problem. However, an
additional amplifier provides an appropriate offset voltage to
the other amplifiers that exactly cancels the diode voltage
drops to maintain circuit accuracy.
Diodes D3 and D4 perform two different functions; the
diodes keep their respective amplifiers active independent
of the input signal polarity (as in the previous circuit), and
they also provide the feedback signal to PD1 that cancels
the voltage drops of diodes D1 and D2.
Either a comparator or an extra op-amp can be used to
sense the polarity of the input signal and drive an
inexpensive digital optocoupler, such as a 6N139.
It is also possible to convert this circuit into a fully bipolar
circuit (with a bipolar output signal) by using the output of
the 6N139 to drive some CMOS switches to switch the
polarity of PD2 depending on the polarity of the input signal,
obtaining a bipolar output voltage swing.
HCNR200/201 SPICE Model
Figure 21 is the net list of a SPICE macro-model for the
HCNR200/201 high-linearity optocoupler. The macro-model
accurately reflects the primary characteristics of the
HCNR200/201 and should facilitate the design and
understanding of circuits using the HCNR200/201
optocoupler.
AV02-0886EN
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